India thrash Sri Lanka to enter final of Under-19 World Cup

Mirpur (Bangladesh), Feb 9: Anmolpreet Singh (72) and Sarfaraz Khan (59) starred with the bat as India defeated Sri Lanka by 97 runs to enter the final of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup here on Tuesday (February 9). This is the 5th time India have entered the summit clash of U-19 World Cup. They won the title thrice (2000, 2008, 2012).

Rahul Dravid-coached India, who were sent to bat first by Sri Lanka, scored 267/9 in 50 overs thanks to half centuries from right-handed batsmen Anmolpreet and Sarfaraz. Washington Sundar contributed 43 runs. In reply, Sri Lanka were all out for 170 at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. Unbeaten India will face Bangladesh or West Indies in the final on Sunday (February 14).

Indian players take a team selfie after the victory. Photo from ICC's Twitter page

Number three batsman Anmolpreet hit 6 fours and 1 six in his 92-ball knock of 72. Sarfaraz, batting at 4, continued his good run of form and made 59 from 71 balls with 6 boundaries and a six. Anmolpreet won the Man-of-the-match award.

India were in early trouble at 27/2 in 9.2 overs under overcast conditions. However, Anmolpreet and Sarfaraz added 96 runs in 21 overs for the third wicket to put the team back on track.

Today's was Sarfaraz's 4th half century in the tournament. He has now accumulated 304 runs in 5 innings at an impressive average of 76.00.

For Sri Lanka, right-arm paceman Asitha Fernando was the pick of the bowlers with 4/43 in 10 overs. Lahiru Kumara and Thilan Nimesh took 2 wickets each.

Sri Lanka's run chase was rocked early as they lost 2 wickets inside 4 overs. They were reduced to 13/2 in 3.2 overs. Later they slumped to 108/5 in 27.4 overs as the required run rate kept increasing. Finally, they were bowled out for 170 in 42.4 overs. Left-am spinner Mayank Dagar took 3 for 21.